Tzu Chi Foundation Bohol welcomed the new year with renewed purpose, reflection, and unity. To mark the beginning of 2026, a gathering was held on January 25, 2026, bringing together Tzu Chi volunteers and Tzu Chi youth in a warm and meaningful assembly.
The gathering opened with an engaging icebreaker that energized the participants and set a positive tone for the day.
A video presentation was shown highlighting the journey of 16 Tzu Chi Youth from Bohol who attended the Global Tzu Chi Youth Summit held last December 22-29,2025.
TCY Bohol Head, Mark Anthony Boiser gave an overview of the Global Tzu Chi Youth Summit held in Taiwan last December 22 to 29,2025 where 16 Tzu Chi Youth of Bohol joined. He shared that the summit transformed the participants’ perspectives, encouraging them to step out of their comfort zones and at the same time provided a venue for them to showcased their talents and wits among other international attendees. He emphasized that beyond the valuable lessons, the camp strengthened bonds among Tzu Chi youths from other parts of the world and inspired them to bring their learnings back to Bohol.
One of the participants, Floss Carmelli Daquio, a third-year Computer Science student, reflected on her memorable week at the camp and how it reshaped her heart and mindset. She shared, “Tzu Chi reminded me that compassion begins within, and when our thoughts are pure, kindness naturally follows.” Her reflection served as a reminder that goodness starts from within one’s thoughts and intentions.
Similarly, Kier Vienne Pacatang, a third-year Architecture student, described the camp as an eye-opening experience that renewed his hope for humanity. He highlighted the importance of self-discipline, kindness, and mindfulness learned during the camp, saying, “In today’s fast-paced world, we are often distracted, constantly rushing from one task to another. At the camp, we were encouraged to slow down—during meals, reflections, and even conversations.”
Half of the Tzu Chi youth participants took part as working personnel during the camp, serving as members of the daily conduct team responsible for dining, snacks, and dormitory arrangements. Joshua Barbacina, Bohol Tzu Chi Youth Assistant Head, shared his personal sacrifice of missing Christmas celebrations with his family for the second time. Though initially hesitant, he pushed through and found comfort in the warmth of the Tzu Chi family, saying that Tzu Chi did not fail to make him feel loved and happy during the holidays.
Angelica Mae Requina, Tzu Chi Youth Publication Coordinator reflected on her deeper “why” in serving Tzu Chi. What began as a completion of required service hours as a Tzu Chi scholar evolved into a sincere aspiration to serve with compassion and kindness. She also spoke about the challenge of language barriers during the camp, emphasizing that sincerity and patience helped them overcome these difficulties—proof that compassion in service transcends all barriers.
Looking ahead, TCY Bohol Head, Mark Boiser presented the planned youth activities for the year 2026.
Tzu Chi Volunteers from Bohol, Manila, Cebu and Taiwan listened intently to the sharing of the Tzu Chi Youth, realizing that their learnings from their experiences will be carried out to their communities.
Volunteer Development Coordinator, Sister Chieh Fang Uy expressed her hope that Bohol would nurture its own volunteers, describing the Tzu Chi Youths as seeds that will sprout and sustain Tzu Chi Bohol in the next 10 to 20 years. Brother James Chua, Tzu Chi Bohol Coordinator shared how deeply moved he was by the youths’ positive transformations, encouraging them to fulfill their promises to Master and spread their learnings to others. He remarked, “I can already foresee that the future of Bohol is in your hands.”
Local volunteers also shared heartfelt testimonies. Liziel Sasutil, a volunteer since the establishment of Tzu Chi Bohol in 2014, recounted both joyful and challenging experiences, including the passing of two co-volunteers. Despite the sorrow, these moments inspired her to continue serving. She shared, “In Tzu Chi, I see the true joy of life.” expressing how simple acts of service gave her a deep sense of purpose. She then vowed to continue inspiring their community in the municipality of Sagbayan to join and volunteer with Tzu Chi.
Ma. Cecilia Macalisang from Loboc likewise shared how she was encouraged by the late Brother Michael Siao and inspired by her sisters in Marikina, Manila who were also Tzu Chi volunteers. Seeing their joy in helping others motivated her to join Tzu Chi Bohol without hesitation. She simply stated, “Because of Tzu Chi, I was able to help.”
The sharing continued with reflections from the volunteers. Brother Jack Gaisano emphasized the importance of humility, quoting Buddha’s teaching that meeting good people is a blessing, while meeting difficult ones is a lesson that strengthens us.
Brother Joven Uy, in turn, thanked everyone present at the gathering for openly sharing their learnings and contributing ideas for the proposed activities of the coming year. Reflecting on the day’s discussions and shared vision, he remarked, “Again, I’m very happy today because we have a clearer picture of where we are going.”
The volunteers gathering concluded on a heartfelt note with a collective sign-language performance of “Isang Pamilya,” reminding everyone that Tzu Chi Bohol stands as one family—united in compassion, strengthened by service, and moving forward together into 2026.
